Yes, but only under certain conditions.
A collection agency can report your debt to the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—but they must follow strict federal laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
When Can a Collection Agency Report Your Debt?
✔️ The debt must be valid and belong to you.
✔️ The agency must have the legal right to collect the debt.
✔️ They must notify you before reporting the debt to the credit bureaus.
✔️ The debt must be past due and charged off by the original creditor.
When Can’t a Debt Collector Report Your Debt?
❌ If the debt is inaccurate or disputed – If you dispute the debt and the agency cannot verify it, they must remove it from your credit report.
❌ If the debt is too old – A collection account should not be reported after 7 years from the original delinquency date.
❌ If the debt was already paid or settled – If you paid the debt, it should be marked as paid or removed.
❌ If the debt was discharged in bankruptcy – Collection agencies cannot report debts wiped out by bankruptcy.
🚨 If a collection agency wrongfully reports a debt, they may be violating federal law, and you may be able to take legal action.
How Long Can a Debt Stay on My Credit Report?
A collection account can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years from the date of the original delinquency. Even if the debt is paid off, it may still appear unless you negotiate a pay-for-delete agreement with the collector.
What Should I Do If a Collection Agency Wrongfully Reports a Debt?
If a debt collector reports inaccurate or unverifiable information on your credit report, you can:
✅ Dispute the debt with the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
✅ Request written validation from the collection agency.
✅ File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
✅ Seek legal help if the agency is violating your rights.
Need Help with a Debt Collection Issue?
If a collection agency has wrongly reported a debt, The Wood Firm PLLC can help you dispute it and take legal action if necessary.
📞 Call us at 844-638-1122
📧 Email us at help@protectionforconsumers.com
Don’t let debt collectors damage your credit unfairly—know your rights and take action today!
